So far, the beach smoking ban is not proving too popular with Pattaya tourists, who seem content to just ignore the ban and smoke up on the sand.
The only beach in Pattaya that is part of the pilot beach smoking ban is Dongtan Beach, on the Jomtien side of the city. The pilot program bans smoking on 24 popular tourist beaches around the country after officials in Phuket realized how much smoking debris and cigarette butts were left on the beaches. The ban came into effect on Nov.1, but no punishments will be levied during the initial 90-day grace period.
Though two designated smoking areas have been created at the back of the beach, smokers seem disinterested in using them. Foreign tourists continue to smoke openly on the beach, reported Bangkok Post.
The people who make their livings renting chairs on Dongtan Beach are cooperating with authorities on the ban and have been informing customers about the law. However, they say, tourists — especially foreigners — do not like being told they can not smoke on the beach and some have vowed not to return to the beach if they law is enforced.
The 90-day grace period should end in February 2018. At that time, the government has said, violators could face penalties as stiff as fines of THB100,000 (about US$3,000) or up to a year in jail.
In addition to Dongtan, other beaches taking part in the pilot program are: Patong (Phuket), Mae Pim (Rayong), Laem Sing (Chantaburi), Bang Saen (Chonburi), Cha-am (Phetburi), Khao Takiab (Prachuap Khiri Khan), Bo Phut (Koh Samui), Sai Ree (Chumphon), and Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai (off the coast of Phang Nga).
